PALM SUGAR AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (Arenga pinnata) IN SUBDISTRICT MUNGKA

Aris Aria Samudra, SP

ABSTRACT The study, titled "Palm Sugar Agribusiness Development Strategies in Subdistrict Mungka" was conducted from October to November 2010. This study aimed to identify the systems and formulate strategies for palm agribusiness that can be done to develop palm sugar agribusiness in Mungka. This research was conducted in Subdistrict Mungka with descriptive research method in which the respondent is taken consists of farmers, production facilities traders, traders and key informants which purposively determined. The data in this study is analysed qualitative and quantitatively using the analysis tool of IFE, EFE matrix and SWOT matrix. From the research, the conditions of palm sugar agribusiness system in Mungka, at this time, there are stands that provides fertilizer, pesticide and agricultural equipment but not yet providing quality seeds. At present, seeds are available in the area of Banten and Masarang. Sub Mungka has suitable agro-climate for sugar palm farm and there are lands that can be used to cultivate it, but the conditions at this point is limited for fertilizing and weeding only. Palm sugar that is produced has good quality and thus have high market demand though its process still using a simple technology and is still packed with banana leaf and never been promoted. At present, palm sugar has a market place in Bukittinggi, Payakumbuh, Jambi and Riau. Mungka have the means of transportation, communication and financial institutions that could be used to support the palm sugar agribusiness activities. However, extension and training have never been given to farmers in Mungka sugar palm farmers. The results showed that the total value of IFE matrix is 2.527 proves that the internal is in a strong position and the total value of EFE matrix is 3.5 means that the agribusiness palm has a very prospective opportunities and able to minimize the threat. Agribusiness development strategy that fits in to increase the palm sugar farmers income in Mungka, are (1) build land for sugar palm plant nurseries, (2) increasing the land area of sugar palm plants, production scale and the quality of palm sugar, (3) providing information about the cultivation, ( 4) build palm sugar factory in groups with appropriate technology, (5 provide training for good-quality palm processing, (6) developing palmbased agro-industry and region (7) build a sugar palm web-based information system. It is expected that the government create a sugar palm agribusiness development master plan in Lima Puluh Kota district with Mungka as one of the area for its central. Attention and seriousness of the the government is expected on guide for the development of the palm sugar agribusiness system in Mungka mainly in doing demplot nurseries, technical assistance and extension of cultivation, processing and marketing as well as increased capital facilities for palm sugar farmers.